The Basics: Born May 26, 1874, in Colombia; died October 21, 1949, in Colombia; canonized May 12, 2013, by Pope Francis; feast day, October 21. Woman religious, teacher.
The Story: It was not an easy early life. Laura Montoya y Upegui’s father died in a civil war when she was just two, leaving the family of three children all but destitute. Laura spent much of her childhood with a grandmother who was difficult to love. Laura’s 
mother decided when the girl was sixteen that she should become a teacher to help make money. Now, Laura had lacked any formal education. Nonetheless, she thrived at teachers school and enjoyed working with students. She learned something else at this time: that she was called not only to teach academics, but also religious formation. Days after her fortieth birthday, Laura and four friends moved to a rural area to minister to the indigenous people and became known as the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and St. Catherine of Siena. Some derided the women for attempting to teach what they called “beasts”; Laura, perhaps remembering her own challenges growing up, took it all in stride. Today, the sisters continue in nineteen countries the work she began.
St. Laura’s Wisdom: “Destroy me, O Lord, and upon my ruins build a monument to your glory.“
What We Can Learn: When we put aside the view that the world might have of us, and focus on what God desires, any obstacle can be moved, physically or spiritually. What is there about you that must be destroyed so you can build a monument to the Lord’s glory?
To Learn More About St. Laura: Check out this newspaper article (translated into English) about sites in Laura’s hometown.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
